Minister opens new cycle path alongside the A27 in East Sussex

A missing link in the cycle path network alongside the A27 has been opened by the Minister for Transport, Norman Baker MP. The route is another step in providing direct links between towns and villages in an area dominated by a major road.

Members of East Sussex CTC at the opening of the new A27 cycle path

The A27 carries 22,000 vehicles per day along the 1-mile stretch in question, and although a diversionary route through Glynde has been in place for a few years it involved climbing up the hillside and a two mile diversion.

The section of the route links the existing cycle track east from Firle with the A26 junction at Beddingham - see map of the area here.

Norman Baker MP opened the route, which cost around £1m to build, together with representatives of Sustrans and local cycling groups, including East Sussex CTC, and campaign group Bricycles.

This new route will be a boon for cyclists whether they are commuting to work or taking a well-earned break in the area."

Norman Baker MP, Minister of Transport

Local cyclists welcomed the scheme, which will provide better access to the countryside and villages east of Brighton and Lewes. Cycle tracks are most needed alongside rural major roads such as the A27, but route continuity is vital if cyclists are to be able to use it without having to return to the road. However, at £1m a mile, the funding that exists for cycling now is a long way from the level required to ensure that these sorts of facilities can be implemented on all the major roads that require them.